Creating a wooden lazy Susan is a fun and relatively simple woodworking project that can add a personal touch to your dining table. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make one:
Materials & Tools:
- Wood (Plywood or Hardwood): Choose a piece large enough to cut a circle, usually around 12–18 inches in diameter.
- Lazy Susan Bearing: This is a swiveling mechanism that allows the Lazy Susan to rotate. You can find these at most hardware stores or online.
- Wood Glue
- Screws (optional): For securing the bearing.
- Drill: For making holes for screws.
- Jigsaw or Circular Saw: To cut the wood into a circle.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing the edges.
- Stain or Paint: For finishing, if desired.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler
- Pencil: For marking measurements.
Steps:
Prepare Your Wood:
- Start by choosing the wood for your Lazy Susan. You can go with plywood for a more economical option, or hardwood for a fancier, more durable finish.
- Cut a piece of wood to the size you want your Lazy Susan to be. Typically, a 12 to 18-inch diameter circle works well for most dining tables.
Cut a Perfect Circle:
- If you have a jigsaw or circular saw, you can use that to cut out your circle. To get a perfect circle, measure the radius from the center of your wood and draw a circle with a pencil and a compass (or any improvised method for drawing a circle).
- You can also use a router with a circle-cutting jig if you have one for a smoother, more professional cut.
Smooth the Edges:
- After cutting the circle, use sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth the edges. This step ensures no rough or sharp edges remain.
Install the Lazy Susan Bearing:
- On the underside of the circle, find the center point and mark it.
- Attach the Lazy Susan bearing to the underside of your wooden circle. Most bearings come with screws that allow you to secure them in place. If yours doesn’t, you can use wood glue to attach the bearing securely.
- Ensure the bearing is centered so the Lazy Susan spins evenly.
Finish the Wood:
- If desired, stain or paint your Lazy Susan. Make sure the finish is food-safe if you’re planning to use it with food.
- Allow the finish to dry completely before proceeding.
Attach to Table (Optional):
- If you want the Lazy Susan to be a permanent fixture on your dining table, you can attach it directly to the table’s center using screws. If you want it to be portable, you can just place it on the table and let it rotate freely.
Additional Tips:
- You can add felt or rubber pads to the bottom of the Lazy Susan if you want to protect your table surface.
- If you want to add extra flair, you can personalize the Lazy Susan by engraving or painting designs onto it.
Let me know if you’d like more details or tips on any specific step!